King George is in receipt of six bids for renovations of an existing building and various site improvements at a county-owned property on US 301 that was known as the “auto auction property.”

All of the bids are generally in the range of the cost first estimated two years ago, depending on how the base bid and four additive bid alternatives are sliced and diced.

The property and existing structure is planned for renovation as a county vehicle maintenance facility planned for joint use by the county and the school division.

The 48.24 acre site had been purchased in December 2010 for $1,250,000. It is located on the east side of US 301 (James Madison Parkway), about a half-mile south of the intersection with Route 3 (Kings Hwy).

The site contains several parcels with an access road. About half of the site is cleared and it contains a 130-foot by 70-foot metal building, which is in good condition, but in need of roof work and numerous other repairs. The building has four 14-foot high bays and has been used in the past as a vehicle maintenance facility.

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONThe invitation for bid was issued in early July for the renovation construction project. A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting, including a project overview and a tour of the project site and facility, was scheduled and held at the end of July. Complete engineering and construction documents and drawings were made available to interested contractors.

The invitation to bid included the information that the existing building is a pre-engineered metal building with a footprint of approximately 7,100 square feet.

The existing roof system needs to be replaced. The exterior wall envelope requires replacement of all insulation and partial replacement of the existing metal panels.

The first floor of the building is predominantly composed of four drive-through bays and associated support work space.

The facility is to be renovated to service school buses and county fleet vehicles. Operations will include routine vehicle maintenance service, excluding body work and major engine and transmission repairs. The new program use will predominantly include high bay space, office and work areas, multi-purpose room, and parts/fluid storage.

A partial mezzanine currently exists over the first floor plate providing approximately 1,700 additional square feet. The mezzanine is to undergo minor renovation and will continue to be used for light storage. The renovation is not anticipated to demand more than the previous use of the facility.

The building is served by an existing well and drain field system. The county will handle all testing and coordination with outside agencies for usage of these utilities.

SCHEDULEThe renovation construction in the bid package calls for a maximum of 300 calendar days to reach Substantial Completion, with another 30 additional days to reach final completion.

That schedule would provide for completion of the facility to go into use about a year or so after a contract is awarded, following the purchase and installation of equipment and furnishings.

BIDSThe bids from six construction contractors were publicly opened and read out last week on Aug. 15. All the base bids came in under the amount of $925,106 previously estimated for construction renovations. But that amount was intended to include at least some of the four additive bid alternative items. Three of the bids with the alts meet that budget, with another one close and two others somewhat over the estimated construction cost.

The bids are expected to be closely scrutinized and the companies submitting them reviewed by the county administration and by architects and engineers prior to any subsequent recommendation to the Board of Supervisors for awarding of a contract.

BACKGROUNDThe project has been in the works since the property was purchased in the end of 2010. Funding for renovations was requested in the county Capital Improvement Program, and it received funding of $1,290,000 in June 2011.

The engineering and design firm of Wiley/Wilson was subsequently selected and in December 2012, the Board of Supervisors agreed to a design concept plan for the future central vehicle maintenance facility, which included a master site plan and building schematic design, along with a preliminary project budget.

The site master plan also provides for a future expansion of the metal building, and a potential for a future wash bay and future fueling depot.

At that time, estimated renovation construction costs were provided at $925,106. That would include $550,322 for roof and wall envelope replacement, along with renovations to the interior support space and maintenance bay.

It also included an estimated $220,600 for such things as fencing, lighting, pavement repair, and some demolition and removal of a couple of small existing buildings. An additional $154,184 was estimated for additional contractor costs.

Another $71,000 was estimated for furnishings, equipment, and an exterior tire storage facility. Adding in testing, fees and contingency cost brought the estimated total to $1,289,217, just under the targeted budget noted above.

BID ALTERNATESThere are four additive bid alternatives, listed below, with costs provided by each company for each of the four alternatives. When a company is selected, the county has the option of selecting or rejecting all or some of the additive bid alternatives. #1 Remove and replace 265 linear feet of existing chain link fence with new fencing as detailed in the bid package.#2 Clean and seal existing cracks in parking lot pavement, as specified.#3 Provide asphalt overlay to the existing parking lot in accordance with plans and specifications.#4 Provide new site lighting to the existing parking lot in accordance with electrical drawings.

PUBLIC NOTICES & LEGALSThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.WEB EDITORErica TerriniThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MIS/GRAPHICSDrue Murray540-709-7288This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.